The short film weaves together stories of various entertainment artists, including Kyle Watson, TiMO ODV, Majozi, Goodluck, Dean Fuel, Lady Lea and others, who have been unable to derive an income even as restrictions eased for virtually every other industry in South Africa.
“The State of the Arts” director Adrien Conradie, aka Aidin Caye, DJ and producer, says he was inspired to undertake the project to showcase the difficulties faced by his colleagues and friends who are reliant on live performances for the majority of their income.
“At no point in the last 15 months have nightclubs legally been allowed to operate as they are seen to be high risk for the spread of Covid-19, and as much as the lockdown restrictions have eased as the time has gone by, the ability for our industry to operate has constantly been restricted, with very little support.”
Says Conradie: “Musicians who cannot work don’t just suffer financially; they grieve for the creativity and connection that their music usually brings. The State of the Arts’ is meant to shed light on our industry and to provide a platform for those who were prepared to share their experiences in the hope of educating and also comforting others who are going through the same struggle and knowing they are not alone.”
For anyone wishing to support the arts and the various stakeholders, there are initiatives like the South African Fund for Entertainment and Cash for Creatives.
Says Conradie: “If in watching these conversations you feel compelled to support your favourite artists but are unsure how to do so, the most important thing you can do is support their art. Buy their merchandise, watch their live streams, stream their music and, when Covid abates, buy tickets to their shows.”
I chatted to Conradie last week.
New technology, same human nature.
Being known without being present.
Money no longer motivates your work.
Listening without questioning.
The world is made up of vibrating particles resonating to form life, thus our connection to the frequencies in music can be felt much deeper than what our ears and brains can perceive.
An outward expression of something I have trapped inside that I wish to get out.
Matthew Mole.
Seeing people share how it’s brought them joy.
“Hypnotize”.
I once pulled out the wrong USB and cut the music in front of 2,000 people.
My Nespresso machine.
My weird haircut.
A lawyer.
Twenty-five-year-old Brad Pitt. Apparently, we have the same features.
Determined, supportive, calm, collected, passionate.
Soul Candi – Session 1-3
Zebra & Giraffe
Fokofpolisiekar
Think.
Sneakers – preferably Adidas.
Honestly, jussis, it might offend some people but I use it several times a day and it is versatile. Can mean something is shocking, surprising, disappointing, frustrating, etc.
Creating the “State of the Arts” and seeing the positive impact it has had on people.
The government.
Not being remembered.
A sunset in the bush.
Look down and get lost in what I’m doing.
People care more about themselves than they do about you.
Eating pasta in the Italian countryside.
I haven’t done enough in my life to give back and in this time I have done what I can to support others. I have started a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for families most affected by lockdown.
To travel the world and love what I do.
